Michael Johnson’s BBC Role Ends Amid Financial Troubles

Four-time Olympic gold medallist Michael Johnson will not be part of the BBC’s athletics coverage in 2026, following the collapse of his Grand Slam Track (GST) league and subsequent financial difficulties. Johnson, a BBC pundit and commentator since 2001, last worked with the broadcaster during the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Grand Slam Track’s Collapse and Debt

Johnson’s GST league, launched in 2025, aimed to provide lucrative prize money and salaries to athletes. But, the league filed for bankruptcy in December 2025 after cancelling its final event and failing to fully compensate contracted runners. The Association of Athletics Managers reported that GST had debts exceeding $30 million (£22.5 million) as of January 2026.

Athletes Owed Significant Amounts

Several prominent athletes are reportedly owed substantial sums by GST. According to legal documents filed in a US bankruptcy court, these include:

• Josh Kerr (Olympic silver medallist): $168,750 (£123,000)
• Matthew Hudson-Smith (European 400m champion): $147,500 (£107,500)
• Daryll Neita (Olympic silver medallist): $28,750 (£21,000)
• Dina Asher-Smith (2019 200m world champion): $24,500 (£17,850)

Kerr expressed frustration over the situation, stating, “Of course I’m frustrated – I’m owed a lot of money.”

BBC’s Decision and Allegations Against Johnson

Sources indicate the BBC has no plans to feature Johnson in its 2026 athletics coverage. Allegations surfaced in court filings suggesting Johnson may have paid himself $500,000 before the cancellation of the final GST events, claims that Grand Slam Track has denied as “unfounded and false.”

Johnson’s Previous Role with the BBC

Johnson had been a regular fixture on BBC athletics coverage for over two decades, providing expert analysis and commentary since 2001. His focus shifted towards GST after the 2024 Paris Olympics, contributing to his absence from the BBC.